NATIONAL, 15 OCTOBER, 2020 (GPN): As we face unprecedented global health, social and economic crisis, the travel and tourism industry is among the most affected sectors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a prolonged lockdown imposed almost across the country coupled with domestic and international travel restrictions, for several travel companies it is no longer business-as-usual; pushing them to refocus and change the game plan going forward. With an aim to stand united during such trying times, The Digital Traveller in association with BRANDit, India’s leading multi-specialist Tourism Marketing Agency along with support from Skål International Bombay (144) have launched ‘The Marketplace‘.

The Marketplace is a social initiative to support, promote and encourage Indian travel firms and professionals who have started or are relying on non-travel businesses in 2020. The Digital Travellers portal has listed down such businesses across various sectors ranging from food, fashion to sanitation, free of cost segmenting them region wise for readers. Currently, the portal lists non-travel products offered by travel professionals in cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Chennai. More businesses and cities are being added with time. For free listing, connect with any of the partners on their social media handles.

Speaking about the initiative, Anita Jain Shah, Managing Editor, TWAI Media said, “There is no secret that small local tourism businesses are suffering from the surge of the pandemic that spread across the world in a matter of weeks through March 2020. Travel died overnight, and so did all the tourism businesses across the globe. It was during these testing times that the creative minds of our Indian travel community began focusing on non-travel businesses either to survive financially or to pursue their long-lost passions. With this initiative, we salute and stand strong in support of all those leaders who have had the courage to enter into non-travel businesses.”

As per social media listings and industry experts, more than 200 travel professionals across India got into ancillary businesses amidst the pandemic and the aim is to showcase these offerings to as many consumers as possible across the country, informed Shah.

Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO & Co-founder, BRANDit said, “The thought behind such an initiative is to back the travel trade fraternity in their new endeavours and stand together as one united community while doing our best to help each other through trying times. There are many enterprises that have launched some excellent products and we will do our bit at BRANDit to endorse them within our circle of influence”.

“Our Skål movement is built on ‘doing business among friends’. What better way to prove the old saying – a friend, in need; is a friend indeed! Further, our tourism industry is adept at navigating through change. We are proud to have members showcase their home businesses and products at ‘The Marketplace’, and urge all colleagues of tourism to support the cause”, added Sushil Bhatt, President, Skål International Bombay (144).

So wait no more, make a difference by showing your support to ‘The Marketplace’.